Charities

Who Are We?

Caring for our members, opening doors to a college education, bringing the history of the fraternity of our nation to life, and improving basic skills for thousands of schoolchildren, Scottish Rite Charities and the Scottish Rite Benevolent Foundation have been doing the Rite thing to make a remarkable difference since 1913.

What Do We Do?

There are four fundraising charities that operate under the umbrella of the Scottish Rite Benevolent Foundation: the Scottish Rite Grand Almoner’s Fund, the Children’s Dyslexia Centers, Inc., the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, and the Leon M. Abbott Scholarship fund.

Each charity supports the vision of the Scottish Rite: We will strive to be a fraternity that fulfills our Masonic obligation to care for our members.

Grand Almoner’s Fund

“We will strive to be a fraternity that fulfills our Masonic obligation to care for our members.”

The Scottish Rite Grand Almoner’s Fund is fulfilling the mission to care for members and their families. Every dollar donated goes towards helping those who have faced incredible hardships. Whether it be a natural disaster or personal tragedy, this fund exists to make certain that a helping hand is there in the toughest of times. As we look to the future, the fraternity must be prepared to fulfill this vision to care for our members and to meet the challenges that they face.

Photo: Tammy and Phoenix Bridegroom of Chesterton, IN, part of our Scottish Rite family. Dad John is a member of the Scottish Rite.

Children’s Dyslexia Centers, Inc.

“Helping youth deal with a disorder that interferes with life’s most simple tasks.”

Millions of children with dyslexia endure frustration and demoralization on a daily basis as they struggle to acquire skills that many of us take for granted. If your child is struggling with reading and writing, how do you know if dyslexia is the cause? Where can you go for help?

For over two decades, the Scottish Rite Masons, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, have been national leaders in the effort to help children and their families overcome the painful obstacles of dyslexia. With more than 40 Dyslexia Centers in 13 states, the Children's Dyslexia Centers tackle the challenge of dyslexia head-on, both by providing free tutoring for children with dyslexia and by training a growing cadre of highly skilled and dedicated tutors.

Photo: Student at work at The Children’s Dyslexia Center of Upper Wisconsin

Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library

“Leaders in Masonic research.”

Established in 1975 by the Scottish Rite Freemasons of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library tells the story of Freemasonry and fraternalism in the context of American history. Unique in the nation, the museum aims to be the “historical society” of American Freemasonry by collecting, preserving, interpreting, and celebrating the history of fraternalism. We pay special attention to the history of the Scottish Rite and strive to serve the Masonic community. Visit the Museum & Library website to learn more.

Leon N. Abbott Scholarships

The Supreme Council is pleased to announce an expansion of the eligibility criteria for Abbott Scholarship awards. Named for Leon M. Abbott, Sovereign Grand Commander from 1921 to 1932, the Abbott Scholarship Program provides financial support for the continuing undergraduate and graduate education of Scottish Rite Masons, young men and women from Scottish Rite families, and Masonic-related youth groups.

Eligibility: Those meeting any of the following criteria are eligible to apply for the 2018 Abbott Scholarship program for undergraduate studies:

A Scottish Rite Mason of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction

A student directly related (bloodline or by legal means) to a Scottish Rite Mason in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction

A Scottish Rite Mason, or a member of a youth organization sponsored by the Masonic fraternity in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction who is:

A high school senior, a currently accepted at an accredited trade school who has attained a minimum grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.

A high school senior, or undergraduate, or graduate student currently enrolled at an accredited college or university.

To apply, applicants should print the form, complete it, and mail it to the appropriate Valley secretary. Applicants should submit their application to the Valley of the sponsor of the applicant.

Ways You Can Make a Difference

Bequests

Bequests can be made to benefit the Scottish Rite Benevolent Foundation or one of our four charities.

A bequest is a method to ensure the legacy of the Scottish Rite Benevolent Foundation. A bequest is given by naming the Scottish Rite Benevolent Foundation and specifically designating the Grand Almoner’s Fund, the Children’s Dyslexia Centers, the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, or the Leon M. Abbott Scholarship fund as the beneficiary in your will or trust.

Bequest wording

The following are suggested forms of bequests that may be used:

General bequest

I give and bequeath to the Scottish Rite Benevolent Foundation the sum of $________________ for the use and benefit of the Scottish Rite Grand Almoner’s Fund, the Children’s Dyslexia Centers, the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, and/or the Leon M. Abbott Scholarship.

Bequest of residue

I give, bequeath, and devise all of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate, whether real or personal, and wherever situated, of which I may die possessed, to the Scottish Rite Benevolent Foundation, a corporation, for the use and benefit of the Scottish Rite Grand Almoner’s Fund, the Children’s Dyslexia Centers, Inc., the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, and/or the Leon M. Abbott Scholarship fund owned, operated, and maintained by said corporation.

Bequest to a specific Dyslexia Center

I give and bequeath to the Scottish Rite Benevolent Foundation, a corporation, for the use and benefit of its (named) Children’s Dyslexia Center, Inc.

Devise of real estate

I give and devise to the Scottish Rite Benevolent Foundation, a corporation, all that certain parcel of real property described as hereinafter set forth; (here, describe the real property)

Designation of Beneficiary for Life Insurance Policies or Pension Plans (IRA, Retirement Savings Plans, etc.) (to be furnished to insurance company or plan administrator on their form)
I hereby designate the Scottish Rite Benevolent Foundation, a corporation, irrevocable beneficiary of Policy No. ___________________________or ______________________ plan.

Distributions from estates and trusts

All distributions received from a donor’s estate or trust are added to the endowment fund for the Scottish Rite Benevolent Foundation, unless otherwise restricted, and the income is used to benefit the Grand Almoner’s Fund, the Children’s Dyslexia Centers, Inc., the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, and/or the Leon M. Abbott Scholarship fund. In this way, we can be assured that there will always be funds to benefit these charities, and our benefactors can be assured that their bequest will be a continuing memorial supporting their philanthropic wishes.

Federal estate tax laws

Federal estate tax laws encourage charitable bequests by allowing an estate tax deduction for the full value of charitable gifts. No limit is placed on the amount that can be left to charity and deducted from your estate. After providing for family and friends, many people will specify that all or a portion of their estate be distributed to the Scottish Rite Benevolent Foundation. Those who give may be eligible for the Scottish Rite Benevolent Foundation Donor Recognition Program and its many levels of appreciation.

Will or Agreement

A will or other legal agreement (such as a trust) may be needed to guarantee that your estate plan is carried out as you intended. Without such arrangements, your property will be distributed according to state law, regardless of your intentions or the special needs of your surviving loved ones.

The best way to make a charitable bequest through your will or trust depends on a number of factors, including your assets and family considerations. Without cost or obligation, the Scottish Rite Benevolent Foundation will provide you and your legal and tax advisors with general information as to how you can make a bequest.

Please confer with your own attorney and tax advisor to determine the tax benefits of a planned gift. Please contact the Charities Department at the Scottish Rite Benevolent Foundation at 33 Marrett Road, Lexington, MA 02421 or by phone at 781-465-3326.

For more information
For more information on supporting the Scottish Rite Benevolent Foundation through a planned gift, please contact Mary Ann Bichajian at 781-465-3326 or by email at MBichajian@srnmj.org

The Scottish Rite Benevolent Foundation is a fully qualified 501(c)3 charitable organization under IRS regulations. Donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent provided by law.